Mon11JAN99; 0910 hrs
Hi Philip
Just a brief comment that its great that you're prepared to take the time
to put info such as that below on the list to help others.
Jenn Muir
----------
> From: Philip A Veerman <>
> To: Bruce WILLIAMS <>
> Cc: birding aus <>
> Subject: Re: Dollar Bird
> Date: Saturday, 9 January 1999 14:04
>
> Any bird book would tell you but I'll be helpful with a bit of my time. I
> wouldn't be surprised if you get lots of replies saying the same thing.
The
> Dollarbird (one word)(Eurystomus orientalis) is the only Australian
member
> of the family (Coraciidea) known as Rollers overseas. The name comes from
> the pale patches on the wings that supposedly look like dollar signs. It
is
> not a parrot as you discovered, but a member of the order (Coraciiformes)
> that includes the Kingfishers and Bee-eaters and like all of them has a
very
> robust beak and syndactylous (joined) toes. It feeds on large insects
(such
> as cicadas and beetles) caught in flight. Parrots eat seed. It is a
common
> summer breeding migrant to eastern Australia and spends winter in the
> northern part of New Guinea. It is typically seen perching on bare high
tree
> branches and power poles in open country near water and flying out in
> pursuit of insects. It is habitually very noisy with a loud harsh cackle.
To
> most people it would look hawk-like, apart from its small feet and
colours.
> Like most members of the order it nests in tree hollows. Birds such as
that
> should be offered to your local museum and give them the option to decide
if
> it is useful to them.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bruce WILLIAMS <>
> To: <>
> Date: Friday, 8 January 1999 16:27
> Subject: Dollar Bird
>
>
> >As a member of WIRES I am called out to rescue many different birds and
> >animals.Late last year I wes called out to rescue what was described as
> >some sort of parrot but when I arrived at the address I found the bird
> >which looked like someone had put pieces of different birds
together.After
> >consulting my reference books I found out it was a Dollar
> >Bird.Unfortunately it had suffered head trauma and didn't survive.It was
> >found at North Ryde in Sydney.Could anyone give me more info on this
bird
> >ie.is it common in this area,where does it come from or any info that
will
> >help me in case I find another of these birds.
> >Your help will be gratefully appreciated.
> >Thank You
> >Bruce Williams
> >
> >
|
